What is your most memorable wedding?
I make friends with all my couples and so this is really a difficult question! Each wedding is a precious memory which may sound cheesy but it's actually true - and that's why I love my job so much! But a wedding by the pool at a family gite in the south of France ranks pretty highly. :D
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Stylish, natural, modern, timeless, chic.
What about your business are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how I become like one of the family at a wedding, seamlessly fitting in and capturing the day beautifully "from the inside". Also, I'm really proud of the unrivalled qualities of film photography.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
My top tip is to consult your photographer on the timeline. They know so much about the changing light depending on the time of year, your venue and through the course of the day. Light is the key to fantastic photos, whether they are digital or film. Also, on a completely different point, I always recommend making flowers central to your decor for a stunning look.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
This is also tricky, as I've seen a lot! For me I think it is the exchanging of private, personal love notes and gifts during preparations before the ceremony. Such a beautiful moment.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
It's really straightforward. Once you get in touch I'll send out my pricing structure, which is transparent with no hidden costs. I'm always happy to discuss details with you either by email, on the phone, or via video chat. I also love to hear more about your plans for your day, whatever stage they're at, and am happy to advise on timings free of charge even at the early stages. If you're ready to book, I'll send you a link to your own personal online portal where you can fill in the booking form, sign the contract and pay the booking fee. Then you're on my calendar! Together we'll add the details to your timeline for the day over the following months so everything is ready in plenty of time. I get in contact the week before the wedding, just to finalise the details and give some last-minute encouragement! After the wedding you'll get a highlights gallery to enjoy and share, within 3 weeks. Full galleries are usually available online in your own private gallery to download within 6-8 weeks of the wedding date. You can also share the link with family & friends and can purchase prints and albums online too.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
For me, there's no question: a beautiful, natural portrait of you both which you can enlarge and frame. It's also easy to neglect the group shot list. Although I insist it is kept to a minimum so it doesn't derail your cocktail hour (30 minutes max), I do also recommend you get those shots with parents (and grandparents if applicable). I failed to do that at my own wedding and have regretted it ever since!
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
Another tricky one! I'm generally trusted by my couples to find the best locations & lighting, and to offer the most gentle direction only if needed. So I don't tend to get asked to photograph much specifically, although naturally I am happy to be asked!
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
There's rarely a rainy day wedding without a single dry spell! So my advice is to be flexible with your timings if the forecast is wet, so that you can grab a few photos outside when the rain has gone off a little. We can always have a backup plan for some group shots indoors if there's really no other option, and I personally love window light for portraits anyway so that's covered.
Describe how you got into photography.
I haven't so much "got into" photography as simply grown up with it! My father was a keen photographer from his childhood and it was completely natural for me to follow suit when he placed my first film camera in my hands aged 10. Throughout my teens and twenties photography sat right alongside my other artistic pursuits - with advanced Art and Music exams to name just a few. In adulthood I have added the use of pro digital cameras and editing to my resume, yet film photography is where I began and where I have once again ended up. An understanding of light and composition are the key to great photographs, and this has always formed part of everyday life for me.